How to serve a restraining order
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Serve by mail or in person
Look at form DV-310, item 5c, to see if the judge ordered you to serve by mail or in person. If you are ordered to serve by mail, this means your server only has to mail a copy of the restraining order. But, serving someone in person is always best.
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Choose a server
You can't serve your court papers yourself.
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Have the sheriff serve
If you have an address for the other party, the sheriff can serve for free.
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If you don't want to use the sheriff
Choose someone that is:
Your server can be someone you know or a professional process server you hire. Give your server a copy of all the court forms you need to serve on the other party.
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Have your server complete a form
A form called "proof of service" must be filed with the court to show that the restrained person was served.
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sheriff
The sheriff will complete a proof of service form for you. Ask the sheriff if they will file the form with the court. If they will not, you will need to take it to the court to file.
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Not the sheriff
If your server is someone you know or a process server, give your server one of these forms:
- Form DV-200 if your restraining order is going to be served in person, or
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File the proof of service form
Make a copy of the completed proof of service form. Take it to the courthouse to file with the court clerk. The clerk will keep the original and return the copy to you. Keep the copy of the proof of service with your restraining order.
Attend your court hearing
Once you’ve served your request, learn what to expect on your court date and how to prepare.